English
Grammar
Conjunction
In
English grammar, a conjunction is a word or a group of words that connects
words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. It is used to coordinate or join
different elements to show the relationship between them.
There
are three types of conjunctions:
Coordinating
Conjunctions: These conjunctions join words, phrases, or
independent clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating
conjunctions are "and," "but," "or,"
"so," "for," "nor," and "yet."
Example:
I
like apples and oranges.
She
studied hard, but she didn't pass the exam.
You
can have tea or coffee.
Subordinating
Conjunctions: These conjunctions connect subordinate
clauses (dependent clauses) to main clauses (independent clauses). They show a
dependent relationship between the clauses. Some examples of subordinating
conjunctions include "although," "because," "if,"
"since," "unless," "while," etc.
Example:
I
will go to the park if it stops raining.
He
couldn't eat lunch because he was busy.
She
loves to read books while she waits for the bus.
Correlative
Conjunctions: These conjunctions come in pairs and work
together to connect elements within a sentence. Common correlative conjunctions
include "either...or," "neither...nor,"
"both...and," "not only...but also," etc.
Example:
You
can either stay here or come with us.
Neither
the dog nor the cat is allowed on the couch.
Both
Sarah and John attended the party.
Conjunctions
are essential for creating complex and well-structured sentences by linking
different parts together and showing the logical relationship between them.
Classes of Conjunction
Conjunctions
can be classified into several categories based on their functions and usage.
Here are the main classes of conjunctions:
Coordinating
Conjunctions: These conjunctions join words, phrases, or
clauses that are of equal importance or grammatical structure. The coordinating
conjunctions are:
For: I
bought a gift for my friend.
And: She
likes to read and write.
Nor:
He
neither called nor texted.
But: I
wanted to go, but I couldn't.
Or: Would
you like tea or coffee?
Yet: It
rained, yet the picnic went on.
So: He
was tired, so he went to bed.
Subordinating
Conjunctions: These conjunctions connect a subordinate
clause (dependent clause) to a main clause (independent clause). Subordinating
conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show a relationship of time, cause
and effect, condition, contrast, etc.
Some
examples include:
After: She
arrived after the party started.
Although:
Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
Because: I
stayed home because I was feeling sick.
If: If
you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Since: He
has been absent since last week.
Unless:
She
won't come unless you invite her.
While: I
read a book while waiting for the train.
Correlative
Conjunctions: These conjunctions are used in pairs to
connect and emphasize balanced elements within a sentence. The correlative conjunctions
are:
Either...or: You
can either go to the party or stay home.
Neither...nor:
Neither John nor Sarah likes spinach.
Both...and: She
is both intelligent and hardworking.
Not
only...but also: She is not only talented but also beautiful.
Whether...or: I
don't know whether he will come or not.
Conjunctive
Adverbs: These are adverbs that function as conjunctions to
connect independent clauses. They show relationships such as cause and effect,
contrast, time, and more.
Some
examples include:
However: She
studied hard; however, she didn't pass the exam.
Therefore: The
road was closed; therefore, we had to take a detour.
Furthermore: I
enjoy hiking; furthermore, it helps me stay fit.
Meanwhile:
She
was working; meanwhile, he was watching TV.
These
are the main classes of conjunctions in English grammar. Each type serves a
specific purpose in connecting different parts of a sentence and creating
meaningful relationships between them.
Rules
Coordinating
Conjunctions:
Coordinating
conjunctions are used to join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical
importance.
Example:
I
like to read books and watch movies.
She
is smart, but she is also humble.
Subordinating
Conjunctions:
Subordinating
conjunctions are used to introduce dependent clauses, which rely on the main
clause for meaning.
Example:
I
will go to the park if it stops raining.
She
left early because she had an appointment.
Correlative
Conjunctions:
Correlative
conjunctions are used in pairs to connect balanced elements within a sentence.
Example:
Either
you study hard, or you will fail the exam.
Not
only did she win the race, but she also broke the record.
Conjunctive
Adverbs:
Conjunctive
adverbs are used to connect independent clauses and show relationships such as
cause and effect, contrast, time, etc. They are preceded by a semicolon and
followed by a comma.
Example:
I
like to swim; however, I don't enjoy diving.
She
finished her work; therefore, she could relax.
Placement
of Conjunctions:
Conjunctions
are usually placed between the words, phrases, or clauses they connect.
Example:
He
is tall and handsome.
She
enjoys playing the piano or the guitar.
Parallel
Structure:
When
using coordinating conjunctions to connect items in a list, the items should be
parallel in structure.
Example:
I
like to hike, swim, and camp.
She
is a talented singer, dancer, and actress.
Remember
that these rules are general guidelines, and there may be exceptions or
variations in specific cases. It's important to consider the context and
intended meaning when using conjunctions in your writing or speech.
Exercise
1
Complete
each sentence by choosing the appropriate conjunction from the given options.
She
studied hard __________ she wanted to pass the exam.
a)
and
b)
so
c)
but
I
will go to the park __________ it stops raining.
a)
if
b)
nor
c)
because
__________
she likes to read books, she also enjoys watching movies.
a)
Either
b)
Neither
c)
Not only
He
is not only smart __________ hardworking.
a)
but
b)
or
c)
yet
I
like both tea __________ coffee.
a)
and
b)
nor
c)
for
Answers:
b)
so
a)
if
c)
Not only
a)
but
a)
and
Corrected
Sentences:
She
studied hard so she wanted to pass the exam.
I
will go to the park if it stops raining.
Not
only does she like to read books, but she also enjoys watching movies.
He
is not only smart but also hardworking.
I
like both tea and coffee.
2
Complete
each sentence by selecting the appropriate conjunction from the options
provided.
She
loves to swim __________ she doesn't know how to dive.
a)
but
b)
or
c)
nor
I
will go for a walk __________ it stops raining.
a)
since
b)
unless
c)
while
__________
I like chocolate, I'm not a fan of ice cream.
a)
Either
b)
Although
c)
So
He
is both intelligent __________ hardworking.
a)
for
b)
and
c)
yet
We
can go to the beach __________ the mountains for our vacation.
a)
or
b)
because
c)
if
Answers:
a)
but
b)
unless
b)
Although
b)
and
a)
or
Corrected
Sentences:
She
loves to swim, but she doesn't know how to dive.
I
will go for a walk unless it stops raining.
Although
I like chocolate, I'm not a fan of ice cream.
He
is both intelligent and hardworking.
We
can go to the beach or the mountains for our vacation.
3
Exercise:
Choose
the correct conjunction to complete each sentence.
I
want to go to the party, __________ I don't have a dress to wear.
a)
but
b)
and
c)
so
__________
she called me, I missed her call.
a)
Unless
b)
While
c)
Because
They
can either go to the beach __________ stay at home and watch a movie.
a)
or
b)
nor
c)
for
He
didn't study for the test, __________ he failed.
a)
or
b)
so
c)
yet
We
will go hiking tomorrow, __________ it's sunny outside.
a)
since
b)
if
c)
neither
4
Exercise:
Combine
the given sentences into a single sentence using the appropriate conjunction.
John
likes playing soccer. Mary enjoys swimming.
Combine
using: and / or / but / so
She
wanted to go to the movies. She didn’t have enough money.
Combine
using: although / because / unless / while
I
will call you. I arrive at the office.
Combine
using: if / when / unless / since
Answers:
Exercise
3
a)
but
c)
Because
a)
or
b)
so
b)
if
Corrected
Sentences:
I
want to go to the party, but I don't have a dress to wear.
Because
she called me, I missed her call.
They
can either go to the beach or stay at home and watch a movie.
He
didn't study for the test, so he failed.
We
will go hiking tomorrow if it's sunny outside.
Exercise
4
John
likes playing soccer, and Mary enjoys swimming.
She
wanted to go to the movies, but she didn't have enough money.
I
will call you when I arrive at the office.
Use of 'since' as conjunction
The
conjunction "since" is commonly used to introduce a reason or cause.
It implies a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. Here are a few
key ways "since" can be used as a conjunction:
Time-related
Cause:
Example:
I have been studying English since I moved to the United States.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "since" introduces the reason or cause (moving to
the United States) for the ongoing action of studying English.
Because
or seeing that:
Example:
Since it's raining, we should take an umbrella.
Explanation:
Here, "since" is used to introduce the reason or cause (it's raining)
for the suggestion to take an umbrella.
As a
result of or given that:
Example:
Since she arrived late, she missed the beginning of the movie.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "since" introduces the reason or cause (arriving
late) for the consequence of missing the beginning of the movie.
In
light of the fact that:
Example:
Since he had already eaten, he declined the offer of dessert.
Explanation:
Here, "since" indicates the reason or cause (having already eaten)
for the decision to decline dessert.
It's
important to note that "since" as a conjunction typically introduces
a dependent clause that provides a reason or cause. It is different from the
adverbial usage of "since," which indicates a specific point in time
or a duration. As a conjunction, "since" connects ideas and
highlights a causal relationship between them.
Use
of 'If' as conjunction
The
conjunction "if" is commonly used to introduce a conditional clause
or a hypothetical situation. It expresses a condition that must be met for the
consequence to occur. Here are a few key ways "if" can be used as a conjunction:
Present
or Future Real Condition:
Example:
If it rains, we will stay indoors.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "if" introduces the condition (rain) that must be
fulfilled for the consequence (staying indoors) to happen. It implies a real
possibility.
Hypothetical
or Imaginary Condition:
Example:
If I were a bird, I would fly in the sky.
Explanation:
Here, "if" introduces a hypothetical condition (being a bird) that is
not true or possible, but it sets up the hypothetical consequence (flying in
the sky).
Unreal
Past Condition:
Example:
If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "if" introduces an unreal past condition (studying
harder) that did not happen. It sets up the unreal consequence (passing the
exam) that could have occurred in that hypothetical situation.
Polite
or Softened Request:
Example:
If you could please pass the salt, I would appreciate it.
Explanation:
Here, "if" is used to soften the request and make it more polite. It
introduces the condition (passing the salt) that would result in the desired
consequence (appreciation).
It's
important to note that "if" as a conjunction is used to express conditions
and hypothetical situations. It sets up a cause-and-effect relationship between
the condition and the consequence. The result or consequence is dependent on
the condition being fulfilled.
Use
of 'That' as conjunction
The
conjunction "that" is used in various ways in English. Here are a few
common uses of "that" as a conjunction:
Subordinating
Conjunction:
Example:
She said that she would come to the party.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "that" is used as a subordinating conjunction to
introduce a subordinate clause (she would come to the party). The main clause
(She said) and the subordinate clause are connected to convey the reported
speech.
Cause
and Effect:
Example:
I was so tired that I fell asleep instantly.
Explanation:
Here, "that" is used to indicate the cause (being tired) that
resulted in the effect (falling asleep instantly).
Result
or Consequence:
Example:
The weather was so hot that we decided to go swimming.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "that" is used to introduce the result or
consequence (we decided to go swimming) of the preceding statement (The weather
was so hot).
Purpose:
Example:
He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
Explanation:
Here, "that" is used to express the purpose or intention (he could
pass the exam) behind the action of studying hard.
Restrictive
Clause:
Example:
The book that I bought yesterday is really interesting.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "that" is used as a relative pronoun introducing a
restrictive clause that provides essential information about the noun
"book." It specifies which book is being referred to (the book I
bought yesterday).
It's
important to note that "that" is a versatile word and can serve as a
conjunction in various contexts. Its specific usage depends on the intended
meaning and the structure of the sentence.
Use
of 'Than' as conjunction
The
word "than" is commonly used as a conjunction in English to make
comparisons between two things or groups. It introduces the second element
being compared and shows the relationship between them. Here are a few key ways
"than" is used as a conjunction:
Comparative
Degree:
Example:
She is taller than her brother.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "than" introduces the comparison between the height
of the subject (she) and her brother. It indicates that she has a greater
height.
Preference
or Choice:
Example:
I would rather have tea than coffee.
Explanation:
Here, "than" introduces the choice or preference between having tea
and having coffee. It implies a selection of one option over the other.
Quantity
or Degree:
Example:
He has more money than I do.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "than" introduces the comparison of the quantity of
money between the subject (he) and the speaker. It suggests that he possesses a
greater amount.
Exception
or Contrast:
Example:
I'd do anything for you other than lie.
Explanation:
Here, "than" introduces an exception or contrast. It signifies that
the speaker is willing to do anything except engage in lying.
Parallel
Comparison:
Example:
She is more athletic than she is artistic.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "than" introduces a parallel comparison between the
level of athleticism and artistry in the subject (she). It emphasizes the
difference in these qualities.
It's
important to note that "than" is used to indicate a comparison and is
followed by the second element being compared. The structure and meaning of the
sentence depend on the context and the type of comparison being made.
Use
of 'Lest' as conjunction
The
conjunction "lest" is used to express a negative purpose or intention
in order to prevent something undesirable from happening. It is typically used
in a clause that introduces a possible negative consequence. Here are a few
examples of how "lest" is used as a conjunction:
Negative
Purpose or Intention:
Example:
He studied hard lest he fail the exam.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "lest" introduces the purpose or intention (to
avoid failing the exam) behind the action of studying hard.
To
Avoid or Prevent:
Example:
She left early lest she miss her flight.
Explanation:
Here, "lest" introduces the negative consequence (missing her flight)
that the person wants to avoid by leaving early.
In
Order Not To:
Example:
They spoke softly lest they wake the baby.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "lest" introduces the intention not to wake the
baby, which is the undesirable consequence.
Anxiety
or Fear of a Negative Outcome:
Example:
He double-checked the address lest he go to the wrong place.
Explanation:
Here, "lest" introduces the fear or concern (going to the wrong
place) that prompts the person to double-check the address.
It's
important to note that "lest" is not commonly used in everyday
conversation or writing. It is more often found in formal or literary contexts.
The word "lest" emphasizes a precautionary or preventative action
taken to avoid an undesirable outcome.
Use
of 'While' as conjunction
The
conjunction "while" is used to indicate a contrast or simultaneous
actions that occur during the same period of time. It can also introduce a
subordinate clause that provides additional information about the main clause.
Here are a few key uses of "while" as a conjunction:
Contrast:
Example:
She likes to dance, while her brother prefers to sing.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "while" introduces a contrast between the
preferences of the subject (liking to dance) and her brother's preferences
(preferring to sing).
Simultaneous
Actions:
Example:
She cooked dinner while he set the table.
Explanation:
Here, "while" indicates that two actions (cooking dinner and setting
the table) are happening at the same time.
Temporary
Period:
Example:
While he lived in London, he visited many museums.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "while" introduces a temporal period (the time he
lived in London) during which the action of visiting museums took place.
Whereas
or Although:
Example:
She loves to travel, while her sister prefers to stay home.
Explanation:
Here, "while" is used to indicate a contrast or a concession between
the subject's love for travel and her sister's preference for staying home.
Providing
Additional Information:
Example:
While I appreciate your help, I can handle this on my own.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "while" introduces a subordinate clause that
provides additional information about the speaker's appreciation and their
ability to handle the situation independently.
It's
important to note that "while" as a conjunction serves different
purposes depending on the context. It can convey contrasting information,
simultaneous actions, temporal relationships, and provide additional details
about the main clause.
Use
of 'Only' as conjunction
The
word "only" is primarily used as an adverb to indicate exclusivity or
limitation. However, it can also function as a conjunction in specific
contexts. Here are a few examples of how "only" can be used as a
conjunction:
Restrictive
Purpose:
Example:
I will eat ice cream only if I finish my dinner.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "only" is used as a conjunction to introduce a
restrictive condition or purpose. It indicates that the speaker will eat ice
cream only in the specific circumstance of finishing their dinner.
Introducing
a Single Exception:
Example:
Everyone left the room, only John stayed behind.
Explanation:
Here, "only" is used as a conjunction to introduce a single
exception. It emphasizes that while everyone else left the room, John was the
only one who stayed behind.
Emphasizing
Exclusivity:
Example:
He invited only his close friends to the party.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "only" is used as a conjunction to emphasize
exclusivity. It indicates that the speaker invited exclusively their close
friends and no one else.
It's
important to note that the use of "only" as a conjunction is less
common compared to its adverbial usage. It typically serves to introduce
restrictive conditions, emphasize exclusivity, or introduce a single exception
within a sentence. In most cases, "only" functions as an adverb
modifying verbs, adjectives, or adverbs to convey a sense of limitation or
exclusivity.
Use
of 'Except' as conjunction
The
conjunction "except" is used to introduce an exclusion or exception
to a statement or generalization. It indicates that something or someone is
excluded from a specified category or action. Here are a few examples of how
"except" is used as a conjunction:
Exclusion
of a Specific Item:
Example:
Everyone went to the party except for John.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "except" introduces the exclusion of John from the
group of people who went to the party.
Exclusion
of a Category:
Example:
I like all fruits except for bananas.
Explanation:
Here, "except" introduces the exclusion of bananas from the category
of fruits that the speaker likes.
Exclusion
of an Action:
Example:
I would go outside except that it's raining.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "except" introduces the exclusion of going outside
due to the fact that it's raining.
Exclusion
of a Timeframe:
Example:
We work every day except on weekends.
Explanation:
Here, "except" introduces the exclusion of weekends from the
timeframe during which the speaker works.
Exclusion
of a Condition:
Example:
They would have won the game except for their mistakes.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "except" introduces the exclusion of mistakes from
the conditions that would have led to the team winning the game.
It's
important to note that "except" as a conjunction is used to introduce
exclusions or exceptions. It highlights that something or someone is not
included in the stated category, action, time, or condition.
Use
of 'Without' as conjunction
The
word "without" is primarily used as a preposition to indicate the
absence or lack of something. However, it can also function as a conjunction in
certain contexts. Here are a few examples of how "without" can be
used as a conjunction:
Negative
Condition:
Example:
They cannot succeed without hard work.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "without" is used as a conjunction to introduce a
negative condition (hard work) that is necessary for success.
Exclusion
or Exception:
Example:
I can't imagine going on vacation without my camera.
Explanation:
Here, "without" is used as a conjunction to introduce an exclusion or
exception. It emphasizes that the speaker cannot imagine going on vacation
without the specific item mentioned (camera).
Simultaneous
Action:
Example:
She managed to finish the project without asking for help.
Explanation:
In this sentence, "without" is used as a conjunction to indicate a
simultaneous action (finishing the project) that occurred without the
accompanying action of asking for help.
Contrast
or Opposition:
Example:
He walked away without saying a word.
Explanation:
Here, "without" is used as a conjunction to express contrast or
opposition. It highlights that the subject (he) walked away without engaging in
the expected action of saying a word.
It's
important to note that while "without" is more commonly used as a
preposition, it can function as a conjunction in specific contexts to introduce
negative conditions, exclusions, simultaneous actions, or contrasts. The usage
of "without" as a conjunction typically emphasizes the absence or
lack of something in relation to the main clause.
Use
of 'Because', 'For', 'Since' as conjunction
The
conjunctions "because," "for," and "since" are
all used to introduce reasons or causes in a sentence. While they share
similarities, they have slight differences in usage. Here's a breakdown of each
conjunction:
Because:
Example:
I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
Explanation:
"Because" introduces a reason or cause (feeling sick) for the action
of staying home. It emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship.
For:
Example:
She went to the store, for she needed to buy groceries.
Explanation:
"For" is used to provide a reason or cause (needing to buy groceries)
for the preceding action. It functions similarly to "because" but is
more formal or literary.
Since:
Example:
He has been absent since last week.
Explanation:
"Since" introduces a reason or cause (last week) for the current
situation of the subject's absence. It indicates a time-related cause.
Key
Points:
"Because"
and "since" are used interchangeably to introduce a reason or cause,
with "because" being more commonly used in everyday language.
"For"
is more formal or poetic, often found in literature or formal writing, and can
serve the same purpose as "because" or "since."
"Since"
can also indicate a time-related cause or starting point, in addition to
providing a reason.
It's
worth noting that "because" is generally more common and versatile in
everyday usage, while "for" and "since" may be more
context-specific or have particular stylistic implications.
Exercise
5
I
couldn't go to the party __________ I had a work deadline.
a)
because
b)
for
c)
since
She
bought a new dress __________ she wanted to look nice for the event.
a)
because
b)
for
c)
since
He
couldn't attend the meeting __________ he was stuck in traffic.
a)
because
b)
for
c)
since
We
decided to go on a hike __________ the weather was perfect.
a)
because
b)
for
c)
since
She
apologized __________ her mistake.
a)
because
b)
for
c)
since
Answers:
a)
because
b)
for
c)
since
c)
since
b)
for
Corrected
Sentences:
I
couldn't go to the party because I had a work deadline.
She
bought a new dress for she wanted to look nice for the event.
He
couldn't attend the meeting since he was stuck in traffic.
We
decided to go on a hike since the weather was perfect.
She
apologized for her mistake.
Exercise:
6
Choose
the appropriate conjunction ("because," "for," or
"since") to complete each sentence.
__________
the rain was pouring, they decided to cancel the outdoor event.
a)
Because
b)
For
c)
Since
He
didn't want to go to the party __________ he felt tired.
a)
Because
b)
For
c)
Since
She
gave him a gift __________ she wanted to show her appreciation.
a)
Because
b)
For
c)
Since
__________
she has been studying hard, her grades have improved.
a)
Because
b)
For
c)
Since
They
prepared a special meal __________ it was their anniversary.
a)
Because
b)
For
c)
Since
Answers:
c)
Since
a)
Because
b)
For
c)
Since
b)
For
Corrected
Sentences:
Since
the rain was pouring, they decided to cancel the outdoor event.
He
didn't want to go to the party because he felt tired.
She
gave him a gift for she wanted to show her appreciation.
Since
she has been studying hard, her grades have improved.
They
prepared a special meal for it was their anniversary.
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